Fitchburg driver ed owner arrested in Gardner BB spree

A 52-year-old city man who is co-owner of a Fitchburg driver education business has been charged with shooting out the window of an auto parts store and is suspected in several other BB gun shootings.

Dennis M. Maylin was arrested Wednesday by police investigating the shooting of a window at the AutoZone auto parts store on Timpany Boulevard. Police reports filed with court documents indicate that, because Mr. Maylin was a prime suspect in 30 other shootings of business windows and doors, after hearing about the shooting, one officer went immediately to his house and stopped him when he returned home. After jumping from his vehicle and attempting to flee on foot, he was arrested. A loaded CO2 BB pistol and ammunition were found in his car.

He was charged with malicious destruction of property over $250 and failing to stop on the signal or a police officer.

Police Lt. John Bernard said the city has been investigating a series of shootings over the past four months on Main Street and the South Gardner section of the city. Police are also investigating two incidents in which the windows were shot out of oncoming vehicles, including one vehicle which had a child seated inside.

Police have had several suspects, including Mr. Maylin under surveillance during the investigation.

Mr. Maylin was arraigned yesterday in Gardner District Court and is being held in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $50,000 with surety. He is next scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing Dec. 12.

Lt. Bernard said police continue investigating the other shooting incidents and expect to file more charges against Mr. Maylin. Gardner Police detectives are also working with State Police and the Fitchburg, Leominster, Westminster and Templeton Police Departments investigating similar incidents in those communities.

Lt. Bernard said State Police are investigating a BB shooting of a motorist that occurred Sunday on Route 2. The driver of a vehicle was injured when the windshield of the vehicle he was driving shattered.

Mr. Maylin is co-owner and employed by A+ Driving School in Fitchburg. Lt. Bernard said that the vehicle he was driving was used by the driving school for driver training. Police impounded the vehicle as evidence in the case. Police also sought and were granted an immediate threat suspension of Mr. Maylin's license. His license has been suspended indefinitely.